Reporte de malformaciones y quemaduras de caparazón en morrocoys (Chelonoidis carbonarius) de vida libre en la Orinoquía colombiana

In Colombia, the morrocoy turtle (Chelonoidis carbonarius) is a reptile species categorized as vulnerable and inhabits the lowlands of different geographic regions. This report seeks to demonstrate the discovery of lesions compatible with burns and malformations in free-living Morrocoy turtles in the Colombian Orinoco. Five locations in the Arauca and Casanare departments were evaluated, capturing 176 specimens. The relationship between these injuries and the production activities and coverage at the capture site was also analyzed. Macroscopic findings of shell lesions were reported and documented in 39 cases (22 %). The macroscopic lesions were usually described as shell and plastron malformations. Other injuries observed were those caused by burns, 23.07 % (n = 9). The highest proportion of individuals with burns was found in mixed mosaics (agriculture and livestock), while malformations were more frequent in livestock production areas. The study shows that injuries associated with fires or burning are common in individuals who live in areas where extensive activities such as livestock farming are carried out.